Posted By John Buffone On Jul 27 2011 @ 11:15 am In Fantasy Football | No Comments

As we continue on through the ranks of running backs, it’s come to the point where research matters and you must pick accordingly to what player best fits your team. There will still be some backs left that will certainly put up average numbers if you need to solidify your team. However, if you already have your stud core of players, there are some high risk/high reward players available.

Addai has the potential to put up solid numbers but can't seem to stay on the field.

Age: 28

Height: 5’11

Weight: 214

Bye Week: 11

Keeper Status: Poor

2010 Stats:

Rushing: 495 yards 4 TD

Receiving: 19 Rec. 124 yards 0 TD

2011 Projected Stats:

Rushing: 430 yards 3 TD

Receiving: 25 Rec. 225 yards 2 TD

Addai’s stint with the Colts could be coming to an end after an injury-riddle start to his career. Addai hasn’t played a full schedule since 2006 and only appeared in 8 total games last season for Indianapolis. Addai is a very solid runner and receiver when he is healthy but with Donald Brown waiting in the wings, Addai’s could see some new scenery or at least limited work in 2011.

#32 – Ryan Williams: RB- Arizona Cardinals

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Williams comes into an Arizona offense that has a lot of questions surrounding it.

Age: 21

Height: 5’10

Weight: 211

Bye Week: 6

Keeper Status: Good

2010 Stats:

Rushing: N/A

Receiving: N/A

2011 Projected Stats:

Rushing: 678 yards 4 TD

Receiving: 11 Rec. 76 yards 0 TD

Williams is a very raw talent who surprised some after declaring for the draft after just two years at Virginia Tech. The second round selection of Williams may have hinted that the Beanie Wells project may be over in Arizona and Williams could substantial playing time. Concerns about Williams include his average speed and raw catching ability. However, Williams is a very hard runner who is difficult to bring down. Splitting time with Wells and Tim Hightower stunts his potential this year but Williams is a nice pick for the future if you’re in a dynasty or keeper league.

#33- Ryan Torain: RB- Washington Redskins

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As of right now, Torain is the Redskins starting running back by default.

Age: 24

Height: 6’1

Weight: 212

Bye Week: 5

Keeper Status: Poor

2010 Stats:

Rushing: 742 yards 4 TD

Receiving: 18 Rec. 125 yards 2TD

2011 Projected Stats:

Rushing: 689 yards 3 TD

Receiving: 10 Rec. 45 yards 0 TD

Torain found himself in the starting role late in the season despite Washington having a core of superstars at running back…from 2005. As of now, Torain looks to be the guy in D.C. and will get a chance to show his stuff. He definitely won’t carry a full work load however since Washington drafted Nebraska’s Roy Helu and Penn State’s Evan Royster in the 2011 draft and there’s a possibility the ‘Skins could still bring in a free agent.

#34- Mike Tolbert: RB- San Diego Chargers

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Tolbert muscled his way to 11 touchdowns in 2010.

Age: 25

Height: 5’9

Weight: 243

Bye Week: 6

Keeper Status: Poor

2010 Stats:

Rushing: 735 yards 11 TD

Receiving: 25 Rec. 216 yards 0 TD

2011 Projected Stats:

Rushing: 555 yards 4 TD

Receiving: 8 Rec. 42 yards 0 TD

The big bruiser from Coastal Carolina left fantasy owners in awe last year as he steamrolled him way to double-digit touchdowns. While Tolbert will still be the short-yardage specialist, his opportunities will be slashed heavily as the Bolts try to get Ryan Mathews jumpstarted. Tolbert is a best suited as a handcuff pick.

#35- Danny Woodhead: RB/WR- New England Patriots

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Woodhead's ability to do it all on offense makes him valuable despite the Patriots crowded backfield.

Age: 26

Height: 5’8

Weight: 195

Bye Week: 7

Keeper Status: Poor

2010 Stats:

Rushing: 547 yards 5 TD

Receiving: 34 Rec. 379 yards 1 TD

2011 Projected Stats:

Rushing: 285 yards 2 TD

Receiving: 31 Rec. 315 yards 3 TD

Woodhead was a feel-good story last year and the little guy performed well for fantasy owners as well. Woodhead would be ranked higher on this list because of his ability to catch the ball the truth is, the New England backfield is so crowded right now that Woodhead will be lucky to get the opportunities he did last season. He’s a nice accent pick if you’re looking for a RB/WR substitute.